Beyond Urban Legends: An Emerging Framework of Urban Ecology, as Illustrated by the Baltimore Ecosystem Study

TLDR

Urban ecology is shifting from city‑level processes to integrative studies of large urban areas as biophysical‑social complexes, yet it currently lacks a theory. The study aims to expose and test assumptions about urban ecosystems by examining social status, race, species diversity, land‑use models, soil diversity, carbon sequestration potential, and social‑biophysical feedbacks. Using data from the Baltimore Ecosystem Study, part of the Long Term Ecological Research Network, the authors analyze species diversity, riparian function, stream nitrate loading, land‑use model suitability, soil diversity, carbon sequestration potential, and social‑biophysical feedbacks. The results reveal a broader array of structural and functional relationships in urban ecosystems and suggest a framework for a theory of urban ecosystems.

Abstract

The emerging discipline of urban ecology is shifting focus from ecological processes embedded within cities to integrative studies of large urban areas as biophysical-social complexes. Yet this discipline lacks a theory. Results from the Baltimore Ecosystem Study, part of the Long Term Ecological Research Network, expose new assumptions and test existing assumptions about urban ecosystems. The findings suggest a broader range of structural and functional relationships than is often assumed for urban ecological systems. We address the relationships between social status and awareness of environmental problems, and between race and environmental hazard. We present patterns of species diversity, riparian function, and stream nitrate loading. In addition, we probe the suitability of land-use models, the diversity of soils, and the potential for urban carbon sequestration. Finally, we illustrate lags between social patterns and vegetation, the biogeochemistry of lawns, ecosystem nutrient retention, and social-biophysical feedbacks. These results suggest a framework for a theory of urban ecosystems.